HCL- The Most Important Supplement, EVER!

What is HCL and what is its role in the gut?

HCL stands for Hydrochloric Acid (or Gastric Acid) and it can be found in the gut. It is responsible for breaking down food in the gut so that the body can then absorb the nutrients from the food. It is also responsible for sterilising what has just been eaten, to kill acid sensitive bacteria, kill viruses, yeast, mould, fungi and parasites! HCL also increases pancreatic juices.
Along with Pepsin, it also helps to break down protein in the gut and helps it to be absorbed.

Calcium, magnesium, iron & zinc are all dependant on the presence of HCL along with vitamin B9, B12, Vitamin C & beta-carotene.  If there is inadequate HCL then these vitamins will not be absorbed into the blood stream. If you’re taking a multi-vitamin and you haven’t had your HCL levels checked, you could be wasting your money!

How do I know if my HCL levels are adequate or not?

First and foremost you can do a very simple stomach acid test. It can be done in your own time, in the privacy of your own home and is very cheap to do. It could be the best test you ever do! For more information about the test is done, please read the link at the bottom of this page.

As with most things in the human body, if you are deficient in something the body is very good at letting you know. Whether you recognise the symptoms is another story. Take low HCL as an example. If you suffer from ANY of the following, these are classics symptoms of low, or no, HCL:

·         Bloating after a meal

·         Belching

·         ‘Acid Reflux’

·         Excess gas

·         Skin conditions such as acne or rashes

·         Vertical lines in your finger nails

·         Leg or foot cramps as nutrients aren’t being absorbed

·         Asthma

·         Food Allergies of any kind

·         Arthritis

·         Alzheimer’s

·         Constipation

Believe it or not, but none of these symptoms are normal! Feeling bloated after food is not a normal reaction, unless you have low HCL that is.

What are some of the reasons why my stomach acid is low?

Stress of any kind will reduce the acidity of the stomach. Oxidative stress and inflammation from poor diet is another reason. Chemical additives and exposure to pesticides will all play a major role in why our stomachs don’t produce enough HCL. And your age! Our stomach produces 1% less HCL for every year we’re alive. So if you’re 40 years old, that’s 40% less you’ll be producing anyway! Inadequate zinc levels will also lead to low HCL.

How can I fix the issue?

Fortunately, you can test your stomach acid. All you need is a HCL testing kit (£10) which can be purchased from me.

Then, if you fail the test we would look to put you on to a HCL Rebuilding Protocol.

If you have any questions about anything mentioned above, or you'd like to order the HCL testing kit, please don’t hesitate to speak to me after Bootcamp or drop me a mail.

tony@markefitness.co.uk

To read the full article on HCL please click on the link